From March 26, 2023, nine airports in Croatia are in full implementation of Schengen rules.
These are Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka, Osijek, and the islands of Mali Lošinj and Brač, where border control will no longer be carried out on passengers on domestic flights or flights within the Schengen area.
Passengers coming from EU member countries will no longer have to wait for border control, and the entry process will be faster and without delays.
Changes in airports:
Schengen In accordance with the criteria for entry into the Schengen region, Zagreb Airport the busiest airport in Croatia, has taken steps to increase waiting areas, namely by combining the former domestic part of the terminal with the international. Flights to destinations in the Schengen Agreement area are now equivalent to domestic flights. Passport control counters for outgoing flights outside the EU will be moved from the third to the second floor. Due to the relocation of the aircraft exit, more kiosks for passenger pre-registration from non-Schengen countries will be set up at international arrivals. In addition, the passenger guidance system and signs in the terminal will also be changed.
Due to the existing refurbishment of the passenger terminal in accordance with Schengen requirements, Split Airport will not need to make any significant area adjustments; the only activity is the relocation of the baggage claim area. Border control counters are being moved to another location in the departure zone.
In order to host passengers from outside the Schengen region and other countries, Dubrovnik Airport is building new infrastructure in the passenger terminal arrivals zone. In addition, the airport is preparing for the implementation of the EES system.
The necessary infrastructure improvements at Rijeka Airport cost between 15,000 and 20,000 euros, and passengers from non-Schengen countries will be divided by setting up partitions.
All regular flights at Osijek Airport are within the Schengen area, and no significant changes are expected.
An increase in the number of arriving passengers in the Republic of Croatia is expected during the tourist season.
The abolition of border control on internal Schengen flights will have an impact on the easy passage through airports without delay. An increase in tourist interest in traveling to the Republic of Croatia by air is expected.
